Charts & Graphs
Reading and interpreting bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, pictograms and tally charts.
What is Charts & Graphs?
Data handling questions in the 11+ exam test your ability to read, interpret and compare data presented in different types of charts and graphs.
You may encounter bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, pictograms and tally charts. The key skill is reading values accurately from the axes or key, then using them to answer questions.
Step-by-Step Method
Read the title and axis labels
Understand what the chart is showing before trying to answer questions.
Check the scale carefully
Look at the numbers on the axes – each square or division might represent 2, 5, 10 or another amount.
For pictograms, check the key
One symbol might represent more than one item. Half a symbol means half that amount.
For pie charts, use fractions or percentages
A quarter of the pie = 25%. Use the total to calculate actual values.
For comparisons, find the difference
Read both values accurately, then subtract to find how many more or fewer.
Worked Examples
A bar chart shows Monday = 15, Tuesday = 22, Wednesday = 18. How many more on Tuesday than Monday?
Working
- Tuesday = 22, Monday = 15.
- Difference: 22 – 15 = 7.
A pie chart shows 1/4 prefer football out of 120 people surveyed. How many prefer football?
Working
- 1/4 of 120 = 120 / 4 = 30.
A pictogram uses a smiley face to represent 4 people. Monday shows 3.5 faces. How many people is that?
Working
- 3 full faces = 3 x 4 = 12 people.
- Half a face = 4 / 2 = 2 people.
- Total: 12 + 2 = 14 people.
Common Mistakes
Misreading the scale – assuming each division is 1 when it might be 2, 5 or 10.
Always check the scale on both axes before reading any values.
In a pictogram, not checking what each symbol represents.
Read the key first. One symbol could represent 2, 5, 10 or any amount.
Reading a bar chart value from the wrong bar.
Use a ruler or your finger to trace from the top of the bar across to the axis.
Top Tips
- Always read the title and labels first – understand what the chart shows before answering questions.
- For pie charts: if you know the total and the fraction, multiply to find the actual value.
- For line graphs: read the value where the line crosses the grid lines, not between them.
- If asked to draw a chart, use a ruler and label your axes clearly.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Maths Questions